Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Zephyrhills' senior population continues to grow (8.3% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In Zephyrhills, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased 9% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 22%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4% in Zephyrhills vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).Â
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Zephyrhills. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Zephyrhills, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.Â
Overall, our team:Â Â
American House Zephyrhills features a memory care program designed to help residents with Alzheimer's and dementia live comfortably and access compassionate care through different stages of memory loss. The community is in a beautiful residential area with controlled access for safety. Seniors can freely stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds or relax in the courtyard. Residents stay in cozy private apartments where they can get 24-7 help with activities of daily living such as grooming, bathing, toileting and mobility from professionally trained caregivers. On-site licensed nurses provide 24-hour medication assistance and wellness monitoring. Physicians provide specialized speech, physical and occupational therapy to improve cognitive abilities. Common areas such as the game room and library allow seniors to participate in daily activities. A full calendar of spiritual, recreational, social and spiritual programs are available to help memory care residents live a vibrant and purposeful life.
People speak highly of the friendly staff of American House Zephyrhills. One family member says, "It's a very nice facility. the staff seems very caring and very much involved with the residents, especially in the memory care unit."
Residents entering the memory care neighborhood at Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care receive tailored care and support to live a full life with Alzheimer's or dementia. Memory care specialists are available for 24-7 support, and a team of caregivers assists with medication management services, as well as assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, bathing and ambulation. Residents live in private rooms with an emergency alert system and are served three chef-inspired meals per day in the communal dining area. The community houses an on-site barbershop, garden, patio and party space for hosting gatherings with family or friends. To stimulate residents' bodies, minds and souls, the community sponsors a rotating schedule of activities which includes light exercise classes, movie screenings, arts and crafts workshops, religious services and group outings. The community allows small pets and can arrange transportation for shopping or medical appointments.
Residents and their families take note of the community grounds and the staff's compassionate approach to care. One reviewer writes, "[My] family feels very blessed that my dad is in a lovely first-class facility with a staff that treats him like a king."
Personalization is key in the memory care community at Sodalis Tampa. Each resident receives a care plan that accounts for current needs and changes with the resident's condition and abilities. Staff members are available 24 hours a day to provide help with daily living activities and medication, as well as housekeeping and laundry. Common areas are designed for both security and familiarity, and a secure courtyard features outdoor seating for residents looking to get some fresh air. Activities in the memory care neighborhood are geared toward cognitive enhancement, stimulation and socialization. A regularly scheduled roster includes exercise sessions, movies, aromatherapy, gardening, virtual reality entertainment and therapy, arts and crafts, music and meditation. The community serves three meals per day, and snacks and beverages are always available. Transportation is provided for medical appointments up to twice per month.
Residents and their families compliment the caring staff and comfortable environment at Sodalis Tampa. One reviewer writes, "[The staff takes] excellent care of [my father]. the housekeeping is flawless, [the community is] beautifully maintained."
Memory care at The Colonnade at Northdale centers around Heartful Care, the community's care philosophy that fosters a homelike environment where everyone is treated as family. Enhanced memory care features a medication management service, prevention of falls and emergency response around the clock. Residents with off-site doctor visits honor their appointments with the help of scheduled transportation. Staff training focuses on programming to improve quality of life through therapeutic activities such as arts and crafts, music therapy and exercise sessions. A full-time activity director engages residents in brain-focused activities, live entertainment and community celebration events. The chefs pay attention to each resident's dietary needs to prepare freshly cooked meals, including a puree option to help overcome chewing and swallowing difficulties. Residents can enjoy artful dining and socialize in the private dining room, designated for guest visits and special occasions.
The Colonnade at Northdale receives praise for its safe, warm atmosphere. One reviewer says, "[It's] clean, secure, and the memory care wing had an outside area that the residents could use freely that I liked. [There's a] nice, home-like feel to common areas."
Atrium Gardens is a memory care community located in Tampa, FL. Caregivers provide 24/7 support with daily living needs, including personal grooming and medication management. On-site nurses assist with wound and infection care, perform health assessments and oversee fall management. The nursing team coordinates care with doctors and physical therapists who can help residents recover after an injury. Treatment plans cater to each resident's personal needs, a registered dietician supervises nutrition and chefs prepare three restaurant-style meals each day. The community has landscaped grounds where residents can walk on pathways or public gathering areas where guests can socialize or play games. An on-site salon and barbershop provides nail care and haircuts. Caregivers carry out housekeeping and laundry services, as well as transportation to medical appointments or errands.
Family members have high praise for the compassionate team. One writes, "The staff here are the most caring you could ever wish for. Communication was constant and the care was outstanding."
At Arden Courts in Tampa, a team of specially trained caregivers provides person-centered care for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. The process begins with an assessment carried out by Arden Courts' professional staff to uncover the distinct individuality of each resident, and individualized service plans are adapted to meet any changes in a resident's daily routine or condition. Hourly safety checks are conducted by staff to ensure peace of mind, and professional nurses are available around the clock. Community health services include monitoring blood pressure, vital signs and weight as well as providing medication assistance and collaborating with outside rehabilitation and physical therapy providers. Purposeful and engaging structured programs and activities are offered 7 days a week, providing stimulating entertainment and direction in a social atmosphere. Three healthy meals are served daily, and assistance is available with eating as necessary.
In times of need, relatives of residents in the community are grateful to the staff for their help. One says, "Arden Court has helped me through one of the hardest times of our life. Not only do they provide excellent care for my husband but they also care for me."
Situated on a lush and private campus just off the I-75 freeway, Legacy at Highwoods Preserve provides customizable senior care. It's close to multiple hospitals and physicians' offices, and doctors' visits take place regularly. The intentionally designed memory care community ensures that each senior feels valued and accomplished, tailoring service plans to their preferences and goals. Research-based activities reduce agitation through sensory stimulation, creative expression and fitness. Seniors can find refreshing spots to relax at the wellness center, putting green and courtyard gardens with scenic water views. Meanwhile, the computer center and lounge areas offer spaces to gather with friends and stay in touch with loved ones. Restaurant-style dining is a social occasion featuring three chef-prepared meals per day. Rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, private bathrooms and internet.
Residents and family members praise the fun atmosphere and staff's devotion to residents' needs. One resident's daughter writes, "My mom has been living here for about a year and has received excellent care, made new friends and has been able to enjoy her life. Legacy has given our family peace of mind and my mother many days of enjoyment."
Tampa Gardens Senior Living offers specialized memory care in a dedicated, secure neighborhood called the Legacies Memory Care Community. This area is staffed by trained caregivers who re-certify their memory loss credentials annually. All residents have personalized emergency pendants and pull cords in rooms to call for help as needed. In addition to helping residents with daily activities of living, trained staff utilize the Namaste program to help reduce anxiety and anger, which is frequently associated with memory loss. Residents are treated to three meals a day, with feeding assistance available. Multi-sensory programming, such as painting or decorating for the holidays, is used to activate multiple senses and help boost cognitive functioning levels. Seniors looking to get some fresh air can spend time in the landscaped, secured interior courtyard or interact with the friendly Legacies neighborhood cat.
Residents and relatives are frequently satisfied with the staff and accommodations at Tampa Gardens Senior Living. One writes, "We spoke to some residents there, and they were very, very happy with the facility. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable."
American House Lutz is an elegant senior living community that offers a personalized memory care program to seniors suffering from memory loss. All residents have access to trained caregivers who assist them with the daily activities of life and aid them in small routines such as afternoon tea time or dressing for dinner based on personal interests. Memory care residents receive three chef-prepared meals daily, and feeding assistance is available. All apartments feature a private bath with easy-access showers, and housekeeping and laundry is included. Nursing staff oversees medication administration and medical planning, and an activities director ensures residents have access to physical and recreational programs such as chair yoga or crafts.
Many reviewers comment on the great staff and the available activities at American House Lutz, with one stating, "They have a very friendly staff, they're extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They were able to get him in very quickly since he didn't have family in the area."
Located in Land O' Lakes, FL, Keystone Place at Terra Bella provides memory care, assisted and independent living just a half-hour drive from Zephyrhills. Its memory care neighborhood is designed with easy-to-navigate, open common spaces and a secure courtyard entrance so residents can safely spend time outside. The Holistic Harbors memory care program takes a holistic approach to care by using each resident's values, passions and history to create a personalized schedule of enrichment activities based on their interests and abilities. Memory care residents can improve their physical fitness by participating in exercise classes, take time to unwind by getting weekly manicures and form connections by attending popcorn socials.
Keystone Place at Terra Bella receives high praise for being a warm community with compassionate staff members. One reviewer remarks, "It's beautiful. It's bright and cheery. What really makes it stand out is that the staff is fabulous. They're caring. They really get to know the residents there. They're just very caring and understanding of their conditions."
Promise Pointe at Tampa Oaks is located just minutes from Trout Creek Park and Cow House Creek in Tampa, FL. The community's memory care staff is available 24/7 to provide specialized care that promotes residents' independence, dignity and daily functioning. Staff members continuously monitor seniors' mental and physical health if necessary. Residents in memory care are able to enjoy a range of amenities, from the country-style kitchen and cozy indoor common spaces to the full-service spa and secure outdoor courtyards. They have access to occupational, physical and speech therapy and can spend their time talking to loved ones virtually using IN2L technology, participating in coloring therapy and attending on-site church services.
Family members appreciate that Promise Pointe is a well-kept community that offers convenient amenities and organizes fun activities. One says, "It's a good area that's very clean, it's a really secure area. They do mental stimulation and all that stuff, they have nice big tables, and they've got an area where they're grouped together, and they do puzzles."
Concordia Village of Tampa is a senior living community with multiple care levels, including a memory care program for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. It has a higher than average staff-to-resident ratio to give memory care residents the highest level of attention and care. Seniors can get 24/7 assistance with daily mobility, bathing and personal hygiene. They stay in private and semi-private accommodations with additional safety options, including secured and alarmed exterior doors. A team of licensed physicians and nurses provides medical services to residents, including medication management, wound care and speech, physical and occupational therapy. The community has several activity rooms where residents can participate in various daily activities, such as guided exercises and arts and crafts. The dining room serves three nutritious meals daily, and special nutritional requirements can be accommodated. A full-time calendar of life enrichment activities, special events and outings encourage residents to live a vibrant and purposeful life.
Residents and relatives appreciate the high-quality, stimulating environment. One reviewer writes, "This place feels like a hotel from the minute you enter the front door. There is a great activities department that is constantly having stimulating engagements."
Renaissance North Tampa provides memory care programs for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia that prioritize strengthening interpersonal relationships. The community identifies socializing as a key factor in promoting mental and physical health, tailoring its activities towards creating opportunities for interaction. Residents can participate in group activities such as stretching classes, bingo and reminiscence programs, which allow them to mingle and have fun. Renaissance North Tampa also offers its residents a swimming pool, fitness and wellness center, movie room and piano for entertainment, among other "resort-style amenities." The staff is trained to help residents with movement, assist with self-administration of medication and monitor insulin levels for memory care residents with diabetes. Complimentary transportation offers residents safe movement in and out of the community and allows them to tour Tampa and access local amenities.
Reviewers emphasize the engagement the community activities provide for their loved ones. One reviewer says, "This community is worth every penny. They keep them active and busy in this community with all kinds of things to do. They have activities like social get togethers, wheel of fortune Jeopardy and more. They also have card games, and social outings with the other residents, and my loved one is even participating in work outs."
Angels Senior Living at Connerton Court is a senior living community with a memory care unit for persons with a decline in cognitive abilities or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other dementia. It has dementia-trained caregivers who conduct a standard initial assessment test before admission to know the most suitable category of memory care for residents. Staff provides 24/7 help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, bathing and general hygiene, depending on the resident's level of independence. The executive chef and kitchen staff work together to prepare seasonal cuisine tailored to memory care needs. Common areas such as the chapel, courtyard, garden and library provide a place for daily activities, socialization and solo meditation. The community encourages fun and brain stimulation through events such as the walking club, outdoor excursions and group shopping. Transportation services to medical appointments are available.
People have great testimonies about Angels Senior Living at Connerton Court. One person says, "This facility is bright, clean, and keeps looking new. My father really appreciates having his own room and the fact that we were allowed to decorate it with his favorite things from home. I love the staff.they are caring and go above and beyond what is required."
Designed in conjunction with specialists from the University of South Florida, Angels Senior Living at New Tampa's memory care unit provides a secure, supportive environment for individuals living with dementia and other conditions related to memory loss. Staff conduct an initial assessment of each potential resident, then customize a program that meets their unique needs and preferences. Regularly scheduled activities include art, music therapy and cognitive games, including those that promote memory recall. The unit also includes skill centers that enable residents to engage in familiar actions like cooking, sports and childcare. The facility maintains a Limited Mental Health license, which allows it to accommodate residents who require both memory care and assisted living services.
Residents and their loved ones recognize the community's cleanliness and its attentive staff. One family member writes, "The community is really nice and all of the staff members have been super friendly. Any time we have questions, they always have answers for us."
Grand Villa of Lakeland is a senior living community with a dedicated, exit-controlled memory care neighborhood. Personalized care is aimed at creating life with a purpose, delivered around the clock to all memory care residents by trained caregivers. In addition to assisting with daily activities of living, caregivers encourage residents to take part in a scheduled roster of activities designed to combat memory loss, including music therapy, the Dakim Brain Fitness program and sensory stimulation. Daily visits from the community's pet bunny are a neighborhood favorite. All residents dine in a restaurant-style dining area, and can choose their own chef-prepared meals with careful oversight from caregivers to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Residents and relatives speak highly of the high standard of care at Grand Villa of Lakeland, with one family member writing, "The staff is excellent, they're all friendly, helpful, and my dad loves it there."
Brookdale Highlands provides a comprehensive range of memory care services. It features secure memory care units and provides help with bathing, dressing and managing medications. The community also offers delicious meals, adult-oriented activities and life-enriching outings. The community is pet-friendly and allows children to visit. With activity areas, there is always something to do at Brookdale Highlands. It offers specialized memory care programs, based on the Clare Bridge Daily Path, and activities designed to keep residents engaged and connected while providing compassionate care and assistance. It also offers residents a warm and pleasant atmosphere with excellent amenities and activities, such as daily exercise classes, art classes, music therapy and more. Additionally, Brookdale Highlands provides a variety of social activities and therapeutic services to help promote physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Family members like the tidiness and staff of the community. One says, "I visited the home during a recent BLFS [Better Living for Seniors] breakfast event. The kitchen staff made a beautiful spread for us that had a good variety and was tasty and fresh. The dining area where we held the meeting was tidy and clean. The staff were very pleasant."
Savannah Cottage of Lakeland offers purpose-built memory care support for residents with dementia, Alzheimer's and other memory impairments. This secured community with 24-7 supervision pays attention to residents's personalities and preferences, enabling the staff to provide person-centered care. The team also assists with incontinence care, insulin monitoring and medication management. Besides religious and spiritual gatherings, the staff encourage residents to participate in art, music and pet therapy, which make up elements of the enrichment program. Other activities include bingo, karaoke and scheduled outings. The dining room offers freshly cooked meals and promotes socialization in a warm community space. Cottages are designed for easy navigation, and familiar cues assist residents with orientation and decrease frustration. There is complimentary transportation for residents to honor their off-site appointments and participate in Lakeland's social and cultural scenes.
Residents and relatives praise the staff and stimulating environment at Savannah Cottage of Lakeland. One says, "They are very helpful at this community. My loved one really likes the meals. They have a lot of activities. I would recommend them."
Stone Ledge Manor is a senior living community with memory care services for those living with Alzheimer's, dementia and other conditions related to memory loss. Memory care residents receive watchful care from trained caregivers, and an RN is on call 24/7 to address residents' medical concerns and oversee medication management. Seniors are encouraged to take part in daily activities designed to stimulate the mind and body, including bingo or exercise challenges. Three daily meals are provided in a restaurant-style dining area, and snacks are available. The community's care team can provide feeding assistance as needed. An on-site salon helps residents look and feel their best, and a therapeutic hot tub spa lets residents relax in luxury and comfort.
Residents and relatives note the outstanding care at Stone Ledge Manor. One reviewer writes, "[The community was] clean and fresh at all times. [My father] was given wonderful, compassionate care. he required a lot of attention, and they provided that."
Discovery Village at Tampa Palms uses an individual-centered program, "The Shine Memory Care," which has been recognized by the Alzheimer's Association. Using a customized, unique approach, this program uses scientific methodology to foster engagement, understanding and to improve the quality of life. Certified nurses and trained assistants generate a line of important events focusing on several important life aspects. The program is created to maintain and restructure what the memory loss has removed. The environment is one of close supervision, there is help with tasks and medication management. Daily programs keep residents active and engaged for a more enriching experience. Activities focus on the time of the day and each resident's current ability. They are failure-free rather than competitive, age-appropriate and aligned to individual attention spans. Activities are purpose-driven and occur either one-on-one or in a group setting.
Family members comment on the warm, inviting atmosphere. " A great place for your loved one," one person comments. "They are a wonderful, loving home care unit. Not only is the care, you see the smiles and joy of those who live there. The staff is very attentive and caring."